MTUC calls for EPF contribution to revert to 11pc

PETALING JAYA, May 22 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today called on the government to immediately reinstate the workers’ portion of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) monthly contribution rate to 11 per cent, saying the country’s economy is improving.

Its Deputy Secretary General, A. Balasubramaniam, told Bernama that the majority of workers have no other savings for their old age except for the EPF.

With effect from March last year, workers’ monthly EPF contribution rate was reduced to eight per cent to help stimulate the economy by giving more spending power to them.

“Although the reduction has given the workers some immediate extra cash, they will lose out in the long run as this will affect their old age savings in the fund.

“However, with the improving economy, it is no longer necessary to maintain the reduced rate,” Balasubramaniam said.

Last week, Ministry of Finance Secretary-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd. Irwan Serigar Abdullah disclosed that the country’s economy grew by 4.2 per cent in the first quarter of this year.

“Even foreign direct investment (FDI) was improving, indicating a robust economy,” he added. At present there are 14.5 million EFP contributors but only 6.79 million are active.